Self-Taught Artist Banita Hamirwasia On What Makes Tanjore Paintings So Timeless

Tanjore art—a unique canvas where vibrant colours dance with glimmers of gold foil to create masterpieces steeped in heritage, intricate craftsmanship, and devotion. The paintings—of Gods and Goddesses, nature, cultures, societies, etc.—are not just a visual delight, but also a medium of storytelling. Banita Hamirwasia, a Delhi-based artist, found herself drawn to this art that originated in the 17th century in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur. She founded Vaikuntham to preserve and promote the historic Tanjore art with her own creative interpretations and artistry. 

In an interview with SheThePeople, Banita described the delicate process and meticulous attention to detail that goes into creating Tanjore paintings, and how the art has evolved over the years. She also shared her journey as a self-taught artist and how the world of colours and boundless imagination has personally influenced her. 

Banita Hamirwasia In Conversation With SheThePeople

STP: Briefly

Tanjore art—a unique canvas where vibrant colours dance with glimmers of gold foil to create masterpieces steeped in heritage, intricate craftsmanship, and devotion. The paintings—of Gods and Goddesses, nature, cultures, societies, etc.—are not just a visual delight, but also a medium of storytelling. Banita Hamirwasia, a Delhi-based artist, found herself drawn to this art that originated in the 17th century in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur. She founded Vaikuntham to preserve and promote the historic Tanjore art with her own creative interpretations and artistry. 

In an interview with SheThePeople, Banita described the delicate process and meticulous attention to detail that goes into creating Tanjore paintings, and how the art has evolved over the years. She also shared her journey as a self-taught artist and how the world of colours and boundless imagination has personally influenced her. 

Banita Hamirwasia In Conversation With SheThePeople

STP: Briefly introduce yourself, your background, and your professional/creative journey.

Banita: I’m Banita, a self-taught artist based in Delhi with a deep-rooted passion for traditional Indian art forms. My artistic journey began with simple glass paintings, but the moment I first laid eyes on a Tanjore painting truly changed everything for me. That moment sparked a journey of dedication, research, and creation, eventually leading to the birth of Vaikuntham—a brand committed to preserving and celebrating the grandeur of authentic Tanjore art.

STP: Coming from Delhi, how did you take an interest in Tanjore paintings, and what was the learning process like?

Banita: Delhi isn’t typically known for Tanjore art, but sometimes inspiration finds you in unexpected ways. While working on a glass painting one day, I came across a stunning Tanjore piece.

Its richness and spiritual energy mesmerised me. Determined to learn this craft, I searched extensively for a genuine teacher, and finally found a local artisan who guided me.

I spent months learning in his modest workspace, sitting on the floor, mastering the intricate steps that make up a Tanjore painting. Each moment was challenging, yet deeply fulfilling.

STP: What are some of the themes or stories you like to explore in your art? 

Banita: My work is primarily rooted in depictions of gods and goddesses, reflecting India's deep cultural and spiritual heritage. Each painting is a tribute to divinity and tradition. More recently, I’ve also begun exploring abstract themes in oil and acrylic to complement the classical style. This allows me to engage with different audiences while staying true to the soul of my art.

STP: Is there space for creativity or a personal touch in a historic art form like a Tanjore painting? How does this art form explore contemporary ideas?

Banita: Absolutely. While Tanjore art follows a traditional structure, there is always room for interpretation and individual expression. I often bring in subtle variations in colour palettes, composition, or material textures to reflect personal style or respond to contemporary aesthetics. I’ve also seen growing interest in custom or fusion pieces—such as combining traditional techniques with modern layouts—which allows Tanjore to evolve while respecting its origins.

STP: As a self-taught artist, how did you find your footing in the Indian art landscape? Did you face any challenges in navigating the demands of the evolving industry?

Banita: As someone who works solo, it wasn’t easy to carve a space in the art world. The market is constantly evolving, with digital and modern art forms gaining ground.

Additionally, working with expensive materials like 24-carat gold and semi-precious stones presents its own challenges in terms of pricing and perception. 

But my commitment to authenticity and detail has helped me build trust and appreciation among clients. I’ve stayed grounded by focusing on quality, storytelling, and maintaining the spiritual essence of the art.

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STP: What are some of the learnings or takeaways you have from your artistic journey?

Banita: One of the biggest lessons is patience. Tanjore art demands precision, discipline, and emotional investment. I’ve also learned the importance of staying true to your passion while being open to adapting. Creating in solitude with soft music has helped me connect deeper with the art, and every challenge I’ve faced has only added more value to the journey. Above all, I’ve learned that when art is created with sincerity and soul, it always finds its audience.